The Montgomery Ward Company was a national retail chain store that dominated the mail-order market during the 20th century. The records contain public relations materials related to the Bicentennial, including corporate policy documents for the company’s official participation in Bicentennial activities, planning guides for the nationwide 21-Day Flag Salute program from Flag Day through Independence Day 1976, press releases and photos from Flag Day ceremonies, educational materials about flag etiquette and display, handwritten essays about the flag’s meaning to Americans, and documentation of company-sponsored community celebrations.
Summary of Montgomery Ward Flag Day Project
This document outlines the 1975 plan to initiate patriotic observances of Flag Day as a part of Bicentennial festivities in more than 300 communities across the U.S. The Flag Day ceremonies were initiated by Montgomery Ward store managers.
Quotes About Flag Day
These quotes from senators, congressmen, state and local Bicentennial chairmen, and Montgomery Ward managers reflect widespread support for Montgomery Ward's Bicentennial-related Flag Day project.
Articles About Flag Day
These articles from Maryland, Missouri and Minnesota newspapers are representative of the publicity generated about the Montgomery Ward Bicentennial-related Flag Day project.
Planning Guide for the Bicentennial 21-Day Flag Salute
This booklet was published by Montgomery Ward. It details how to plan a local ceremony for Flag Day in June of 1976.
Location of Montgomery Ward Sponsored Flag Day Salutes
This list reflects the locations of the many Bicentennial-related Flag Day ceremonies across the U.S. that were sponsored by Montgomery Ward.
"Our Flag" Brochure
This brochure was published by the National Flag Foundation. It explains the rules for honoring and displaying the American flag.
"Suggestions For Expanding Your Flag Day Program"
This document was distributed to Montgomery Ward managers who were planning Flag Day programs for their communities.
"Policy Statement"
This document sets out Montgomery Ward's official policy on Bicentennial-related activities. It describes several corporate wide Montgomery Ward projects, including sponsorship of the uniforms for the U.S. Olympic teams for the 1976 Winter and Summer Olympics.
History of the American Flag
This document covers some of the early history behind the American flag.
Proclamation from the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, June 9, 1976
This proclamation announces the inauguration of the Bicentennial 21-Day Flag Salute at the Valley Mall in Maryland on June 12, 1976.
"What the Flag Means to Me" by Julia Miller
This was the winning essay in a competition held as part of a Bicentennial Flag Day Salute conducted in Maryland in 1976.
Photographs from an Alabama Bicentennial Flag Day Salute
These photos were taken at an Alabama Flag Day Salute in 1976 organized by Montgomery Ward store management.
Photographs from a Hagerstown, Maryland Bicentennial Flag Day Salute
These photos were taken in Hagerstown, Maryland during a Flag Day Salute event organized by Montgomery Ward store management.
"Sign Up, America" Press Release, June 10, 1976
This press release includes photos from the Bicentennial-related Flag Day ceremonies at the Penn Square shopping center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 1976.